Last minute school holiday ideas- cheap UK family experiences
School holidays always seem to creep up faster than expected, and keeping the kids entertained can quickly get expensive. If you're looking for last-minute school holiday ideas that won’t break the bank, you’re in the right place.
- Whether you’ve got toddlers, tweens, or a mix of ages, there are loads of cheap family days out across the UK you just need to know where to look.
- From discounted theme parks to completely free outdoor adventures, days out ideas and money saving guides (such as kids eat free), here’s how to keep the kids busy without overspending.
This guide is for Parents on a budget looking to make memories with the Family while keeping life stress free and affordable!
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Affordable holiday stay experiences (Big Fun for Less)
If you're planning a long weekend or summer holiday in the UK for the whole Family, look no further! The UK holds host to many staycation spots that combine fun for the whole Family with good quality accommodation to suit all your needs.
Even big-name parks can become affordable with the right deals, and we've made it easy to book with our all in one Hubs.
Top tips to save:
- Book online in advance using our Days out hub
- Book off peak times if you have young kids (with flexible schooling hours)
- Check for Kids eat free deals via the hubs and even plan for self catering
- Check for onstay deals- many parks such as Flamingo Land have park pases included with holiday accomodation bookings.
- Bring entertainment for rainy days- check out our guide to bestselling board games here
Top Places to Stay UK
Flamingo Land resort- Located in Yorkshire, this park is A great all-in-one family destination with a theme park, zoo, and on-site holiday village, perfect for multi-day stays with built-in entertainment. Stays include access to the park, meaning no extra park fees! Our Flamingo Land hub covers all you need to know, including where kids eat free, best value for money accommodation and key information before your trip. If your just looking for a day visit, or are staying outside the Flamingo Land resort, when you book here, you can save with our HALF PRICE FAMILY day pass!
Chessington world of Adventures (Merlin)- Combining rides, a zoo, and themed hotels, this park is ideal for younger families looking for a short break packed with activities. Accommodation options include:
- Safari Hotel
- Azteca Hotel
Our complete Chessington guide takes you through key information, where to go in the park and more! Book early and save!
Butlins- A well known Family favourite, Butlins is famous for its family-friendly resorts, offering accommodation, live shows, kids’ clubs, pools, and entertainment all included in one price. Right now, you can get up to 25% off with the Early bird pass!
Our Days out hub makes your Butlins stay easy with:
Alton towers (Merlin)- The UK’s largest theme park with thrilling rides, themed hotels, and splash parks makes this great for families with kids of all ageslooking for an easy to book stay! With discounted passes available by booking ahead, Alton towers makes the perfect affordable stay, combining food, entertainment, accomodation and daytime activities at the theme park! An all in one adventure makes it easy for busy Parents to book! Book now for best value tickets!
LegoLand Windsor (Merlin)- A LEGO-themed park designed especially for younger children, with interactive rides, attractions, and themed accommodation options, this Merlin resort is an easy book for LEGO lovers!
Alpamare resort- if your staying in Scarborough and need an easy getaway plan, look no further. Alpamare is splashing fun: a coastal water park with heated outdoor pools, slides, and spa facilities, offering a more relaxed family break by the sea. Our Alpamare hub has key information, places to eat (where kids eat free), a guide to the spa and facilities and more! Get a half price pass now through the hub!
Affordable Daytime Experiences
For many families, last minute 'what do we do today?' stress can lurk on holiday. You don’t need to spend a fortune for a memorable day out. The UK is packed with budget-friendly attractions, which may just be in the area you're in!
Ideas include:
Themed experiences- for young kids, themed experiences are an easy way to make great memories and have fun!
- Check out our complete guide to Paddington days out, with budget friendly options, where to go, what to see and the best Paddington experiences in the UK!
- For younger kids, check out our guide on affordable Peppa pig experiences in the Uk. From interactive experiences, to theatre shows and more!
- For days out in London, the famous afternoon buses offer a range of themed afternoon teas, a perfect way to see the city whilst having interactive fun (not to mention, tickets include sightseeing, food and activities!)
Cadburys world ticket-If you’ve got chocolate lovers in the family, Cadbury World is a fun and unique day out. Located in Birmingham, it takes you through the history of chocolate, how it’s made, and of course, includes plenty of tasty samples along the way! Booking in advance is the best way to save on family bundles and discounted tickets!
Madame Tussauds- A visit to Madame Tussauds is a real crowd-pleaser, especially for kids and teens who love spotting their favourite celebrities. From lifelike wax figures of movie stars and sports icons to immersive experiences like Marvel superheroes and Star Wars, there’s plenty to keep everyone entertained. Book online for discounted prices!
Museums- (many are completely FREE!) often hold host to interesting discoveries and beautiful landscapes. Most free museums don’t charge for entry to their main collections, but may charge for special exhibitions or extras, so it’s always worth checking in advance
- The British Museum – One of the most famous museums in the world, packed with over 8 million objects including the Rosetta Stone and ancient artefacts from across the globe.
- Natural History Museum – A huge hit with kids, featuring dinosaurs, a giant blue whale skeleton, and interactive exhibits.
- Science Museum – Hands-on, interactive galleries covering space, technology, and engineering—great for curious kids.
- Tate Modern – A modern art gallery housed in a former power station, with bold and colourful exhibits (plus great views over London).
- The National Gallery – Home to world-famous paintings by artists like Van Gogh and Monet, right in Trafalgar Square.
Outside London (Great Regional Options)
- National Museum of Scotland – A brilliant all-round museum with everything from dinosaurs to Scottish history and interactive science displays.
- Museum of Liverpool – Celebrates the city’s history, culture, and music scene—great for a family-friendly day out.
- National Railway Museum – Perfect for train lovers, with huge locomotives and hands-on exhibits.
- National Football Museum – A must for football fans, packed with memorabilia and interactive games.
- Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum – One of Scotland’s most popular attractions, combining art, history, and natural sciences under one roof.
Money-saving ideas:
- Annual passes (such as Merlin annual pass) often work out cheaper for repeat visits
- Booking online (even the day before) can make the world of difference. Booking attractions such as the London eye can reduce cost by £10 on standard tickets!
- Take advantage of free entry days or donation-based entry on many National trust sites and in Museums across the UK
Mixing paid and free days out is a great way to balance your budget across the holidays.
Outdoor exploration & Nature Adventures (Free & Low-Cost)
Some of the best school holiday memories don’t cost a penny. Spring and summer holidays are the perfect time to get outside with the kids and explore the beautiful landscapes in the UK.
Free and cheap outdoor ideas:
- Local parks and playgrounds
- A Picnic day out, at a beautiful spot near you! Check out our Picnic guide with affordable UK picnic spots and easy picnic ideas!
- Woodland walks and nature trails, many National trust sites offer a combination of beautiful trails and interesting museums for a low cost (even lower with a membership)
- Bike rides or scooting adventures
- DIY scavenger hunts- this can be changed for the seasons! Whether an Easter egg hunt or a nature trail, we have complete guides for you!
Make it extra fun:
- Create a mini adventure with for the kids
- Bring snacks, balls, or games from home
- Invite friends along for a social (and free!) day out
Soft Play and indoor activity ideas for all ages
For rainy days, indoor play centres and activity centres are the perfect option. With older or younger kids, activity centres are an easy day out for parents!
Some favourites include:
If you’ve got younger children, soft play centres are a go-to option. They’re safe, contained, and great for a few hours of fun, especially on a rainy day. Perfect for a play date, or just getting the kids out of the house for a few hours!
Check out our guide to the top UK soft plays & indoor activity centres!
How to keep costs down:
- Choose off-peak or toddler sessions
- Look for multi-visit passes
- Book online for reduced tickets (our guide includes best ways to book)
Some venues also offer meal deals included in the price, which can help cut costs further.
Top Money-Saving Tips for School Holidays
School holidays don't have to break the bank! A few simple tricks can make a big difference to your budget:
- Book in advance: early deals are often cheaper
- Use cashback sites where possible
- Bring your own food & drinks to days out
- Check out our Kids eat free blog to find the best deal in your area
- Travel & book off-peak to save on fuel or tickets
- Use discounts available
And most importantly, make sure to book through our days out page so you never miss a bargain.
Don’t Miss the Latest Deals
If you’re planning school holiday activities on a budget, theres more than enough to choose from. Whether you're looking for a rainy day activity on a budget or a full family holiday, we have the best deals and options for the whole family!
Make sure you’re regularly checking our days out and seasonal hubs, packed with discount codes, cheap ticket deals, family-friendly offers and brilliant savings!
